Disclaimer: The information below was gathered from online resources in August 2025 and is for informational purposes only. Please perform your own due diligence before choosing a college that suits your requirements..
Choosing a Master's in Computer Science (MS in CS) program in the US is a significant decision for Indian students, with key factors being the university's academic reputation, career opportunities, and financial costs. The top US universities for MS in CS are highly sought after by Indian students due to their strong curriculum, research-focused environments, and excellent post-graduation career prospects.
Here are 20 of the top US universities for a Master's in Computer Science for Indian students, ranked by their estimated total annual cost of attendance from highest to lowest. The total cost includes both tuition and estimated living expenses. Keep in mind that these are approximate costs and can vary based on individual spending habits, housing choices, and tuition changes by the university. The data is for one academic year and is subject to change.
Top 20 US Universities for MS in Computer Science Ranked by Total Annual Cost
University of Southern California (USC)
: USC's Viterbi School of Engineering is a top choice for its strong industry ties in Los Angeles, particularly in tech and entertainment.Tuition & Fees: ~$45,774
Living Expenses: ~$10,440
Total Annual Cost: ~$56,214
Columbia University
: Located in New York City, Columbia offers a diverse and rigorous CS program with extensive opportunities for internships and networking in the city's booming tech sector.Tuition & Fees: ~$50,662
Living Expenses: ~$20,080
Total Annual Cost: ~$70,742
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
: CMU's School of Computer Science is consistently ranked among the best in the world. It is a highly competitive and research-intensive program known for its strong faculty and cutting-edge curriculum.Tuition & Fees: ~$60,400
Living Expenses: ~$23,340
Total Annual Cost: ~$83,740
University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
: This university offers a highly-ranked and comprehensive MS in CS program with a strong focus on both theoretical foundations and practical applications.Tuition & Fees: ~$61,920
Living Expenses: ~$13,426
Total Annual Cost: ~$75,346
New York University (NYU)
: NYU's Tandon School of Engineering provides a unique urban experience with a strong focus on cybersecurity, data science, and AI.Tuition & Fees: ~$52,480
Living Expenses: ~$20,080
Total Annual Cost: ~$72,560
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
: Located in Philadelphia, UPenn's Computer and Information Science department offers specialized master's programs in fields like data science and computer graphics.Tuition & Fees: ~$33,976 (for MSE in Computer and Information Science)
Living Expenses: ~$24,480
Total Annual Cost: ~$58,456
Stanford University
: A global leader in technology and innovation, Stanford's MS in CS program is highly selective and provides unparalleled access to Silicon Valley's top tech companies.Tuition & Fees: ~$42,300
Living Expenses: ~$21,211
Total Annual Cost: ~$63,511
Princeton University
: Princeton is known for its selective graduate programs and a strong emphasis on foundational research. Its CS department is small, which allows for close collaboration between students and faculty.Tuition & Fees: ~$59,710
Living Expenses: ~$14,132
Total Annual Cost: ~$73,842
Cornell University
: Cornell's MS in CS program is known for its academic rigor and a wide range of specializations. It has a strong reputation in areas like AI and machine learning.Tuition & Fees: ~$29,500
Living Expenses: ~$11,388
Total Annual Cost: ~$40,888
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
: Georgia Tech is a leading public university for engineering and computer science. Its MS in CS program is highly regarded for its blend of theory and practical skills.Tuition & Fees: ~$21,212
Living Expenses: ~$10,676
Total Annual Cost: ~$31,888
University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA)
: UCLA's CS program is known for its strong research and faculty, with a wide range of specializations in a major metropolitan area.Tuition & Fees: ~$27,366
Living Expenses: ~$11,090
Total Annual Cost: ~$38,456
University of California—Berkeley
: A public institution with a world-renowned CS program, UC Berkeley offers a challenging academic environment with a focus on fundamental research.Tuition & Fees: ~$31,450
Living Expenses: ~$22,040
Total Annual Cost: ~$53,490
University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
: UIUC's CS department is a powerhouse in research and education, especially in parallel computing, software engineering, and scientific computing.Tuition & Fees: ~$38,276
Living Expenses: ~$16,000 (estimated)
Total Annual Cost: ~$54,276
University of California—San Diego (UCSD)
: UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering offers a strong CS program in a thriving biotech and tech hub.Tuition & Fees: ~$26,802
Living Expenses: ~$15,000 (estimated)
Total Annual Cost: ~$41,802
Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
: JHU's CS program is known for its strong focus on research, particularly in areas like machine learning and natural language processing.Tuition & Fees: ~$57,010
Living Expenses: ~$15,000 (estimated)
Total Annual Cost: ~$72,010
University of Washington
: Located in Seattle, the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering is one of the world's leading programs, with close ties to companies like Microsoft and Amazon.Tuition & Fees: ~$34,500 (estimated)
Living Expenses: ~$17,000 (estimated)
Total Annual Cost: ~$51,500
University of Texas—Austin (UT Austin)
: UT Austin is a strong public university with a reputable CS program, offering specializations in a wide range of areas, including AI and theoretical computer science.Tuition & Fees: ~$17,525
Living Expenses: ~$9,083
Total Annual Cost: ~$26,608
Purdue University—West Lafayette
: Purdue's MS in CS is a respected program known for its strong curriculum and a good balance of theoretical and practical knowledge.Tuition & Fees: ~$30,228
Living Expenses: ~$10,000 (estimated)
Total Annual Cost: ~$40,228
University of Massachusetts—Amherst
: UMass Amherst offers a well-regarded and affordable CS program, providing a solid foundation in core computer science principles.Tuition & Fees: ~$60,750
Living Expenses: ~$15,000 (estimated)
Total Annual Cost: ~$75,750
Arizona State University (ASU)
: ASU is known for its large and accessible CS program, which is a popular choice for international students due to its size and resources.Tuition & Fees: ~$37,044
Living Expenses: ~$14,684
Total Annual Cost: ~$51,728
Deep Dive: Tuition vs. Total Cost
It's crucial for prospective students to understand the difference between tuition and total cost.
Tuition & Fees: This is the direct payment to the university for your academic program. It covers courses, access to campus facilities like libraries and labs, and administrative services. These costs are often a primary focus, but they only represent a portion of the financial commitment.
Living Expenses: This includes all other costs associated with living in the US as a student. The main components are housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. These costs vary drastically depending on the university's location. For example, living in a major city like New York or Los Angeles is significantly more expensive than in a smaller, college-town setting.
The most significant variable in the total cost of attendance is the location. A university with lower tuition but located in a high-cost-of-living area can end up being more expensive than a university with higher tuition in a less expensive region. For example, a student at UT Austin benefits from a lower tuition fee and a relatively lower cost of living compared to a student at Columbia University, where both tuition and living expenses are among the highest. It's vital to research both components when making a final decision.
